The Golden State Warriors will start fifth-year wing Moses Moody and rookie guard Will Richard going forward, head coach Steve Kerr confirmed after the team’s 125-120 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. The decision means that Jonathan Kuminga will continue to come off the bench after he started the first 12 games of the season.
Kerr can’t exactly be blamed for making the drastic call. Kuminga began the season in red-hot form, averaging 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists through his first six games, while shooting an impressive 45% from three. However, the Congolese forward has averaged 10.6 points on 17.6% shooting from three over his last seven games, including Wednesday’s contest.
Kuminga has also seen a drastic drop in his playing time, averaging 23.7 minutes in his last five games after tallying 30.8 minutes through his first six games. His diminishing role led to his benching for the first time against the Spurs on Wednesday.
Kuminga Exits With Injury
To make matters worse, Kuminga left Wednesday’s game with knee soreness after playing 12 minutes. His status for Friday’s rematch against the Spurs is uncertain.
Warriors Lose Faith in Kuminga?
At the start of the 2025-26 season, Kerr spoke glowingly about Kuminga’s new mindset and willingness to fit into Golden State’s system.
“His passing has improved dramatically. He has made so many good passes, not only in games but also in practices,” Kerr said of Kuminga at the start of the season.
“I think he’s seeing the floor better. I just like the approach, I like the vibe that he’s bringing. He’s confident. He definitely feels like part of the team and what we’re trying to do. After all the contract stuff I just think his teammates have been so good, Jimmy [Butler], Steph [Curry], [Draymond Green] all welcoming him back with open arms and reminding him that contract stuff is contract stuff.”
The Warriors coach’s tone on Kuminga has changed over the past week or so. Ahead of Wednesday’s tie against the Spurs, he explained the decision to bench Kuminga.
“It’s very clear that we’ve been a little clunky recently,” Kerr said, via Hoops Rumors. “I obviously watch everything and look at all the lineup data. … There’s times in the season where it’s obvious you’ve got to make some changes.”
“It’s never any one individual’s fault,” he added. “It’s all about the team and how we can get the best out of everyone individually so that the collective is stronger.”
Kuminga, who signed a two-year, $46.8 million contract with the Warriors this offseason, can’t be traded before January 15, 2026.
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